The massive asteroid (887) “Alinda” has made its closest approach to Earth in decades and is set to reach peak brightness in a rare and once-in-a-decade event.
The event can be observed this weekend using basic stargazing binoculars or via a free livestream, according to Live Science.
The near-Earth asteroid, designated (887) Alinda, is estimated to be 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometres) wide — roughly the width of Manhattan — as per Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The massive space rock made its closest approach to Earth in decades on Wednesday, coming within 7.6 million miles (12.3 million kilometres) of our planet, approximately 32 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon.
Notably, Alinda is not expected to make another close approach to Earth until 2087.
Due to its large size, it serves as a fascinating target for stargazers, though an asteroid of this magnitude could trigger a mass extinction event if it were to collide with Earth.
Alinda will reach its peak brightness, with a magnitude of 9.4, on Sunday. During this time, the asteroid will be visible moving through the constellation Gemini.
